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Trail: In the footsteps of the smugglers
IGN cards
Description
Freedom, elevation gain, variety and enjoyment: these are the promises of this route, which crosses the Valserine valley and the ridges of the Haut Jura.
This route allows you to discover the Valserine valley and ridges in a picture-postcard setting.
From the banks of France's 1st wild river to the summit of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, nature is yours to discover!
The route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect the specific regulations for this area, which can be consulted at www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reglementation/interdits-en-rnn/. Among these rules: dogs are forbidden, even on a leash!
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/04/2024 to 30/11/2024
- From 01/04/2025 to 30/11/2025
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 14/09/2024
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Please note : this route is signposted for hiking, not trail running.
From Chézery (A), follow the signs for "La Rivière", passing the police station.
Continue in this direction, ignoring the Moulin Thomas sign (B) at a crossroads. When you reach the hamlet of "la Rivière" (C), cross the road and climb up to a cable-stayed footbridge over the Troubléry stream (D).
From here, follow the signs for "Le Reculet" (note that at Verney-Dessus (E), the path climbs to the right of the houses). Pass the Chalets de Lachat (F) and enter the Thoiry-Derrière mountain pasture (G), where the Reculet cross (H) is visible.
The climb ends on the northern ridge. Descend southwards along the GR. Skirt the alpine chalets of Polvette (I) and Capitaine (J), pass the "Pierre de la Lune" (K) and arrive at the "Passage des Chezerands" (L) close to the Gralet chalet.
A yellow-marked path immediately descends into the forest, crossing a forest track several times to reach the hamlet of Rosset (M), Grande Bossonaz (N), Bellaigue (O) and then the village.
Environments
Near shuttle stop
Mountain view
Mountain location
Close to a public transportation
Panoramic view
Reception conditions for animals
dogs strictly forbidden.
Open period
From 01/04 to 30/11.
Subject to favorable weather.
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Website : www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Reception complements
Safety instructions
This trail crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect its regulations.
www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/
Dogs are forbidden, even on a leash!
Before setting off
- Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.
- Find out about the approach route, the height of the itinerary, the time it will take to complete the climb, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).
- Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, mountain huts and gîtes.
- Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking.
- Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.
In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).
Data author
